This Charming Midwest Destination is the Antidote to City Life

Galena Country’s natural beauty, food scene, and historic attractions make it the ideal getaway for anyone looking for a peaceful oasis.

Anyone who survive in a urban center demand a little geological fault every now and then . Between the noise , secretive quarters , and general deficiency of gullible space , the perpetual hustle and bustle can provide even the hardiest metropolis - dweller dreaming of a pastoral escape . ( And for anyone parenting Kid in the metropolis , this goes double . ) When conjuring up their dream getaway , most urban center - denizen would probably admit feature like idyllic nature views , quaint architecture , and relaxed restaurants and shopping options .

Galena Countryis a excellent match to that ambition dodging . Located along the upper Mississippi River in northwest Illinois , the country includes the historical urban center of Galena , with its witching Main Street , along with numerous natural attractions like ski resorts and tramp trails . For those based in a Midwest city like Chicago , Des Moines , or Milwaukee , Galena is only a myopic route trip-up away — perfect for a weekend getaway meant for relaxing or a break from the kids . Read on for more on what to do and see in the area .

Feel transported back in time with historic attractions and activities

The metropolis of Galena hasa long , storied chronicle , much of which has been maintain to this day . The business district is line with quaint 19th - century brick buildings and historic positioning burst throughout the sphere . The most visited attraction is thehome of Ulysses S. Grant , who survive in the city along with many other Civil War superior general . There are also numerous monuments and statues to call in Galena ’s Grant Park , including onetime Civil War cannons . ( visitor can also explore the metropolis on atrolley tour , where a guide will deal interesting historical facts along the way . ) For anyone craving a more handwriting - on trip back in sentence , essay some of Galena ’s unique historical bodily function , like make a custom - scented candle or essence at Galena’sScent Workshopor dabbling in spoon carving atGalena Spoon Co. act with locally - sourced forest , the spoon workshop teaches canonic cutting techniques using axes and knives . All participants go out with a homemade wooden spoon of their own .

Get your nature fix with plenty of outdoor adventures

For city - dwellers search for a pure escape into nature , the picturesque roll hills of Galena Country offer several fashion to unplug . For an only - in - Galena experience , tryHoof It Goat Treks . The treks offer an minute - long walk ( suitable for all ages and abilities ) through local Wood and prairies , accompanied by friendly caprine animal . ( The treks may depart in distance bet on how tired the goat get , and they love receive treats along the elbow room . ) AtDittmar Farms , visitors can participate in several different natural process , like antique tractor driving , hayrides , and fishing excursions . Galena Country also has an array of natural attractor to get lost in , like theTapley Woods State Natural Areaand the Galena River , which extend activities like kayaking , hiking , biking , and scenic views . ( The domain is also gorgeous year - round : it ’s peachy forleaf - peeping in fall , and in the winter , thenearby ski resortwill make for a fun day on the slopes . )

Sample the area’s local breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants

After a long day of polish off the trails or explore Galena ’s history , the city also extend mess of places to kick back with a drink ( both the alcohol-dependent and non - alcoholic varieties ) . Galena has a rich distilling history , a tradition that continues today at mainstays likeBlaum Bros. Distilling Co. At Blaum Bros. , visitant can take a turn of the distillery to learn how the eponymous brothers handcraft their spirits — and stop by the legal community and gift shop afterwards to taste the upshot . In downtown Galena ( and handily located on Main Street),Galena Brewing Co.offers an extensive pick of brewage and bar bites like cheese curd and mozzarella sticks . wine-colored devotee should visitGalena Cellars , which has two placement : a tasting way downtown , and a vineyard located in Galena ’s countryside . At its historic building downtown , guests can sip on homegrown wine and sampling little bites , while the vinery offers outside wine tasting ( let in in a heated igloo during the winter ) and a cosy guest house on site for overnight stay . For something non - alcohol-dependent , Trolley Depot Coffee & Tea Co.is a cosy , family unit - have coffee shop located in the heart of business district Galena .

You wo n’t go home athirst from a visit to Galena , either . For breakfast , brunch , or lunch , chink outOtto ’s Placefor its card of comforter nutrient classics like cooky & gravy , huevos rancheros , and a turkey melt . If it ’s a burger you ’re lust , bar byDurty Gurt’swhere the specialty burger include the Hawaii Five - oxygen ( top with a grill pineapple annulus , jalapeno , and mango mayo ) and the Tombstone ( Viscount St. Albans , grilled onions , and barbeque sauce , serve with onion rings on top ) . Or , if you ’re looking for a fancier meal , head to theLog Cabin Steakhouse , which is Galena ’s old and longest - running eatery , first open in 1937 . For the last 40 long time , the Grecian - manner chophouse has been operated by the Rigopoulos Family , who tincture the menu with ingredients like Greek Olea europaea petroleum , feta , and Kalamata olives , plus specialty dish like flame saganaki .

Start contrive your next road trip to Galena Countryhere .